Campground scenes and dreaming of Oregon

The campground atmosphere changes a lot on Saturdays.

This morning, as I walk the crew, two tiny toddlers still in their multi-colored jammies push their plastic toys-on-wheels down the gravel lane past us, their little legs pumping for all they’re worth, father in pursuit. The ski-doos and whoop-de-doos drone out on the reservoir. Trucks with boat trailers come and go constantly. I haven’t seen our camp host all day.

A compact, good-looking truck camper

Oh my gosh, another PTV!

Another exciting day at the campground!

Today’s highlight was Spike getting his head stuck in the kibble bag and running, yes running, inside the BLT, bouncing off the walls, including the mirror on the bathroom door, until he saw daylight again and burst through the screen door.

After that episode, the three of us fell into a somnolent state. Balmy weather has that effect on us. I’m wearing out my anti-gravity lounge chair by lounging, defying gravity, and soaking up gentle breezes that brush my face with the paws of kittens. Bridget and Spike sit in a stupor in their pen looking a lot like lawn ornaments.

The prospect of driving to Oregon has me in a dream state.

I’m anxious to get moving again. However, I’m going to break my pattern of roadtrip-by-whimsy and buckle down to formulate a plan, based on the suggestions of readers, study of my atlases, and online research. September in Oregon should be lovely! And to gaze out at the Pacific! Wouldn’t that be grand!

And what a way to wrap up a summer, huh?

rvsue

Note: I finally typed up my out-of-pocket expenditures for the month of July. If interested, you can find the list at the bottom of the entries “A Glimpse at Yellowstone” (7/25) and “A River Float Trip!” (8/3). Someday I’ll put together some financial pages you can find easily from a drop-down menu in the header.

Canine Corner: “Some Things Are Better Forgotten” by Spike

Me and the Bridge

Of course, rvsue has to blab about my humiliation with the kibble bag. I bet she’ll never let it rest. She even tried to take a photo! What am I supposed to do? It’s not like I have an opposable thumb. I’d like to see her get chips from a bag with paws. Now wouldn’t that be a funny sight!

I gotta’ hand it to the Bridge. She hasn’t said a word about it. She knows I’d get mad. She’s smart to keep her jabbery jaws jammed down tight. I have to admit it. The gal’s got class. Know what I mean?

0 Responses to Campground scenes and dreaming of Oregon

Sue,
If you come to Oregon via I-84 through Boise, it will be bleak terrain, and hot, until The Dalles and close to the Columbia River. The interstate rest areas are kept pretty clean (surprisingly) from Boise. I think you got lots of advice from the “frontiersman” guy living in the desert re. places to camp, visit, etc.in Oregon. We live in Tualatin and can suggest more stuff. Beautiful weather here in the metro area and in the mountains, but you may think the coast is pretty cold. Also. . .blackberries are ripe and free to pick everywhere! Happy Travels!
JandH

I may have to grin and bear it, driving through the bleak terrain on I-84, just to “make time.” I’m thinking the coast of Oregon in September is a lot like Maine with which I’m familiar. Brisk wind, waves on the rocks, sweater or jacket weather, especially on cloudy days, and some warm days, too.

Uh, just a minute friends…you forgot that gorgeous area in the Blues, including La Grande, and Baker!!! Yea, it might be hot…but again, generally cools down at night. And some folks consider grain country rather pretty too. I am partial to the mountains, but the Blues are worth seeing…and far better than traveling farther south across Oregon to get to the coast and straighter roads too…unless a lot of building has gone on the last decade.

Sue
Been a great first year and I have enjoyed every post and day that you have shared with us
Thanks for doing that.
Oregon Washington and Calif, will present a few more challenges than where you have been for the last few months. I think you will find campgrounds harder to find and more expensive the farther south you go. Maybe your readers can help you there. I know a lot of Wally Worlds are posted for no stay overs..I think you will have to plan your route a little bit closer in that part of the country.
It is beautiful country
Ron

Hi, Ron… Nice comment about my blog. Thanks. I know you’re right about travel in these far western states being more difficult. I’ve stayed away from California for that very reason, high prices, crowded campgrounds, etc.

I agree with geogypsy2u, I have fun planning a trip. Thanks to you Sue, I will be solo traveling in my Casita in the next couple months. I gave up on my dream, until I found your blog.
I checked with my library, Oklahoma City,ok. Anyone can buy a ($46) out of town usage? I really don’t know what it’s call, however, you can check out e-books. OKC has a lot, so you can go to their website and check it out. Cheaper than buying. Been wanting to let you know.
Thank you for your blog. Love the crew and their blog very much.

Sue I have followed your blog since you met up with the Bayfield bunch,I too am a fultimer and really admire your courage.
I read a blog yesterday about these people being on the road now for 3 years and they had said that the first year looking back they maybe travelled too much
I am wondering if you are doing that now thinking of going to OR.I live in BC Canada and go south every year and kinda know OR quite well
My suggestion to you is maybe enjoy OR next year when you want to get out of the heat! OR has a lot to see and different climates,its hot in eastern OR then in the mountains its nice and the best way to stay cool is by the ocean,We are near the end of August and it is cooling down in the evenings in quite a few places,so my suggestion is to stay around where you are or meander back toward the high country
Then next year take in the coast of CA OR and WA even come into BC.that will be a good trip lasting a few months,no use coming to OR without exploring the rest of the pacific northwest
Just a thought Sue
Regards
Henk

Nice to hear from another fulltimer. Thanks for reading my blog, Henk.

Oh dear. You are saying what I was thinking all along until I got this notion to see Oregon this summer. My plan was to save Oregon for another summer, see some of Idaho (and then the fires come along!) and then I got itchy to see Oregon sooner…. You make a lot of sense, and so do the others who say the opposite! Now I know why it’s called fulltiming…. because a big part of it is about timing! I need to get my face in my maps some more and make a decision! I thought I had made a decision until I read your comment and it rings true…. Oh well, whatever I do, it won’t be the end of the world.

Yea Sue
The west coast is a wonderful place to explore,from what I have seen you do is go from one place to the other and enjoy the scenery and the way of life in different parts of the country that you have visited,you are to be admired and I do say a prayer for your safety from time to time,you have come a long way baby
Living on the west coast and having travelled all the states and BC along the west coast I think you would really enjoy making that a summer trip.stay on the eastern parts of the states you want to see CA, OR, WA, then when it gets tooch beauty hot come down the coast there is so much beauty here
I do plan on going south again this winter to AZ but I am hoping to travel home up the 101 hyw,I am told from members in my Newmar group I can drive the entire 101 only it gets busy through SF
You in charge of your own trip
I thought this may be the way to go for you!
Hope to meet you someday

Sue,
You could go down into the Redwoods, etc. of N. California and then at some point cross over by Lake Tahoe into Nevada…some beautiful scenery there!! And head south to AZ…you would get into some traffic in Sacramento area, unless maybe taking some back roads around that part, but they keep up the highways and freeways pretty good…and even Nevada at the point of Reno south for aways is rather pretty…

As some have said however, it may be a lot harder to find places to stay cheap…maybe go back over back entrys from George…he seemed to find quite a few off road places for free…some I would not take as a woman however.
Best wishes and I will be keeping up so much as I can in amongst moving…Elizabeth in NC

Heh…if you want desolate, the trip south out of Nampa/Caldwell area there in S. Idaho that goes through a teeny part of Oregan (Jordan Valley) and then south through Nevada….they didn’t used to even have a speed limit there…there is one stretch of maybe the straightest road in America…it is straight for at least an hour of driving. I have ridden at speeds of up to or a bit above 100 on that road, tho I did NOT drive like that…brothers!!….I think they have a speed limit now. There are more farms now here and there…but it is anything but crowded!! Have been on that road quite a few times as we used to live in California and had relatives in Idaho…then we moved to Idaho and went back some to vist our kin in California…then our son got a job for several years in Carson City and so we drove that same road then too from where we lived in S.Washington!! By the way one brother lives still in S.Idaho and is maybe the only honest mechanic around. So if you get in need of one while going through that area, email me and I will try to connect you (he sometimes is out of town, but mostly there).

Another way from the coast is to cross over to Redding, CA up to Lassen Natl Park, then down the east side of the Sierras on 395 to Reno – truly gorgeous there. Not much of interest in the Central Valley of CA and you would avoid most of the urban congestion. The mountains and coasts of OR-WA-CA are really beautiful and one could spend years exploring there.

Also, the Eagle Cap Wilderness area in NE’ern OR is beautiful in Wallowa’s east of Pendleton.

Sue, I am still reading not commenting much though, I’ve been busy with all the house legal stuff as of late. I will be glad when it is done and behind me. At any rate I had to drop you a quick note and wish you a very “Happy One Year Anniversary”! This may have been the best year of your life and you may have met some great people but I think many people met a wonderful woman, Bridget and Spike too. Ahhh the places you have been (you can say that now) and the places ahead you will go!

Congrads! You are no longer a rookie! :o) Thank you for bringing so much joy and sharing your stories with all of us. Reading your blogs this past year has brought so much joy and lessons learned information for all of us. I am so looking forward to all the new adventures you will share. So, raise a glass, here is to you and many more terrific traveling adventures ahead!

Your blog today brought back memories of those days trying to decide what rig would work for me and the crew. You’re very thorough, which is good. I’m sure you’ll find the right one for you and your hounds. I also can relate to the time when the attachment to “home” is gone and the road beckons!

Hi Sue, have to add more of my 2 cent’s on Oregon.. someone talked of I-84 coming west along the Columbia.. it is an amazing trip – I never find it boring – and the vastness and history found all along there is amazing.. it does change so much as you move west. The Gorge is not to be missed. That’s the fun thing about Oregon, all four corners are vastly different – and the Cascades and coast ranges are the icing on the cake.. the Willamette Valley unique and mild of weather most of the time. The coast is the crown jewel- from sand dunes to major old growth forests.. right to the waters edge. Beaches and vistas that never stop being impressive. 101 is a good road- but can be busy as heck at times as locals come and go for weekends. Yes curves.. but your set up will be easy to navigate. Central Oregon is very unique as well.. Sisters Oregon.. the road to Klamath falls from there.. and Crater lake. You might well consider doing part of the state now – and plan to come back for the 2nd half another time. My best to you and the crew… enjoy the trip planning as much as the trip!

Columbia River Gorge has long been on my must-see list. Rusty (the mountain man) said I should go to Sisters, one of his favorite places. And of course, Crater Lake….. ah, what to do! Thanks for helping, Sally. I appreciate you caring enough to write all this down for me.

As I was reading the description of Spike getting his self-inflicted punishment for putting his head in the food bag (hee hee) you said that he “burst through the screen door.” I was wondering if he damaged it. The screen door in my rig is one of those that is retractable… and would end up with a Mugsy-sized hole if she decided to blast through it. 🙂

If I were you, I would “save” Oregon, Washington and Calif. for next year. If you are going back to the desert for winter, you will be coming down, 101, the Ocean will be on your right, and the cliffs too. Going up 101 next summer would be much easier driving, you would have the mountains on your right, and can see the ocean. Most RV parks are very $$ and even State Parks, but there are a few Casinos you could stay a night or two for free. I would wait and do more research and planning. Who Knows, I might see you on the road next summer!

Hello, Theresa, I wasn’t planning on doing the big Northeast adventure, covering all three states. My thought was to take advantage of my location right now, driving distance to Oregon in September…. as September, I believe, is when it’s not as rainy and there aren’t as many tourists, what with school being in session. Now, once I go to Oregon, I have to get back to Arizona, so that’s where CA might come in to play, then again maybe not! I’ve got to work on my plan today … Thanks for writing!

Sue, I think you were right when you said that if you can’t see it all this fall that you can always come back. And I think you should go to Oregon in September when the tourists aren’t so rampant. As an Idaho resident (and native), I love my state, but not this last month or two! The entire southern part of the state is either burning or smokey, so if I were you, I would head south on I15, turn west on 84 and just drive until you are out of the smoke. Here are some ideas for you on free/inexpensive camping: http://www.freecampgrounds.com–have you checked them out? Check out Idaho Falls’ South Tourist Park in Idaho; might be about where you want to stop the first night from Clark Canyon, anyway. This might be a helpful source for you: http://www.rv-camping.org/Idaho.html
If I were you, I would stay on I84 in Oregon and go west along the Columbia–there are several free/inexpensive camping areas along there, then head south on 101 and go east again through Klamath Falls and southern Oregon and then into Nevada–that way you can skip California altogether! There are several Indian Casinos in Oregon and they all seem to allow overnights in their parking lots, but here is another source you might check out: http://www.allstays.com/Campgrounds/Oregon-campgrounds-map.htm
If you are considering the southern Oregon route to go east, you might read http://www.mohotravels.blogspot.com/2012/07/back-to-desert.html
Sue and Mo live near Klamath Falls and they traveled that route in July–might give you some ideas.
OK, this is too long, but I have been researching Oregon routes/campgrounds for our trip in September, so thought I would let you know what I have found so far.
Wherever you decide to go, I know you will have a great time.

That’s a neat looking truck and camper. I still haven’t decided what I am going to buy, whether it is a trailer, or a class C motorhome. That camper wouldn’t be too bad either. Big decisions.
I’ve been to Oregon a few times and really love all parts of it. I don’t think I’ve seen anything that wasn’t beautiful there. I agree with everything that Sally Jacob said about Oregon.
I looked at the temperature gauge at the top of your blog of where you are now…wow, that is good sleeping weather!!

Those are big decisions, but all your research will come together and you will know! One way to look at it is this…. Mobility, getting to out-of-the-way places… Is that important to you? A truck camper is great for this, a big Class C not so much, and a trailer (small) is in-between. Just one of a zillion questions to be answered! Good luck!

This is good sleeping weather! Just cool enough to appreciate my quilt and Bridget’s hot body. Ha!

You really need to analyze your needs and wants. We all tend to come up with something different because of all the personal variables. I started with a small B Class, but it was too small for long term living for me. So, I got a 25 ft Class C. A good friend of mine loves her Scamp that is even smaller than Sue’s Casita. I spent a year and a half making my decision. I only use it part-time.

I agree with all the additional comments. Plusses and minuses are all part of the adventure! One could spend a lifetime in Idaho, Montana, B.C., WA, OR and Northern CA and NEVER tire of the beauty and NEVER see it all! A real plus of exploring in September and October is that most of the tourists have gone home. Another plus is that the really rainy season “usually” starts later. A minus is that the day to day traffic in the major metro areas can be a real hassle. Easy to avoid them, though, with route planning. Now is a good time of year for driving up around Mt. Hood/Timberline Lodge from Hood River. But, if you are really craving salty air, wind and waves then “go for it”! We love your blog! BTW, have you ever thought of creating an “Adventure Callendar” with pics of your camping sites and the crew! We would definitely buy one!
JandH

You make excellent points. September weather and fewer tourists count a lot in my decision whether to go or not. From what I’ve read and heard, the campgrounds fill up in the summer. When will I be poised for a Sept. visit again? I can’t see it all and wouldn’t want to in one trip. Thanks for the suggestions, except the calendar idea . . .LOL, I don’t think that’s for me.

P.S. We drove up the Coast from the South last summer and most of the turnouts for vehicles are on the ocean side of 101. It is much easier to stop at viewpoints along the way when driving South since you don’t have to cross traffic.
jandh

I agree with the driving south, I have done it both ways this summer and driving south is much nicer. As a matter of fact, I am back on the coast again after spending some time in the Cascades and Crater Lake areas. It is all great!!!!!!!!!!!! I have been in Oregon since the middle of June and will probably come back many more times. Everyone I talk to says October is the best time to be on the coast, but I have to head south before then. I am going to do the Gulf of Mexico this winter. Have lived in AZ forever and want to explore other areas of this great country. Love your stories and pics. You are my inspiration to keep on exploring over the next rise………..

Now if’n it were me try’n to make up my mind which way to go….Oh my, so many suggestions and input just keep pour’n in.

There was a comment above, I’m think’n it was just one, suggesting “taking your time”. I been think’n the same thing all alone in your travels, that you need to slow down. But since you was in your first year of full tim’n, I jist kept my mouth shut know’n soon enough you would “see the light”. It ain’t bout how many miles ya travel in one year, it’s bout soak’n up….you know what I’m talk’n bout. Although, I must say, you done a outstand’n job of that in your first year.

I could suggest to ya a hunnert different routes back to Arizona, a hunnert different places to visit…..all beautiful. But I ain’t gonna do that. Wouldn’t be fair to you ya know, go’n somewheres the old Billy Bob suggested and then you don’t like it none ’cause your tastes are different than mine.

Ok, I gotta go. Things to do ya know…..prepare for my trip to Deming, NM.

A thoughtful comment. I’d never blame you if I followed one of your suggestions… so far, even the not-so-great routes have led to something good.

Funny about slowing down. Last winter I was told to get moving! It may seem like I’m going too fast, but consider this. I have very slow days. I sit around a lot or take slow walks with the crew, absorbing my surroundings. Unlike a lot of folks, I don’t race from museum to museum, sampling restaurants at every stop and some in-between, attend events and shows, visit all the historical landmarks along the way, go to hot springs, yada-yada. Take all that out of my travels and my pace is a LOT slower.

I suspect I will slow down in future years of travel. The West has been a big unknown to me. This year is like a survey course… getting a general idea of the West.

Thanks for reading my blog and taking the time to write, BB. Always appreciated.

Hi Sue, I stay on the Oregon coast fro three weeks in July and especially recommend Cape Blanco State Park. Nice beach to walk and lots of trails near the campgrounds. The ocean is far enough from the camping that you might choose to drive to a parking area rather than walk.The dump station is closed but there is one at Humbug Mountain aboul 10 miles south. I have also stayed at Sunset Beach near Coos Bay which was nice, and Harris Beach which was busier when I was there.
If you’re driving acrossed the state near Ukiah or John Day there are several free camping spots on the North Fork of the John Day river. Route 395 crosses the river south of Ukiah and a dirt road
runs along the north shore headed west. after about 4 miles you’ll see spots where others have camped.
Good luck I think you’ll enjoy the coast.

Hi, Ed . . . Useful information! I am writing this down, as I may go west via John Day, rather than making a larger loop up 84 along the Columbia. (There’s always something frantastic, must-see, just a little bit up the road!) I could save the Columbia for a loop up to Washington another summer.

Thank you, thank you, for directions to free camping and for recommendations on coastal campgrounds.

The hours of entertainment that Spikey and Bridg provide is priceless. Love their blog.

To avoid most traffic……..we drove between 10am-2pm. Gave us time to get up enjoy coffee, do our business, gather up/unhook and settle down for the night. Heck we weren’t in a hurry per se….and we wanted to stay out of the way of people driving to and back from work. Roads are nicer……….without impatient people! Ya know!

I agree. .. I remember being a harassed driver in FL, fighting traffic to and from work among hordes of sightseeing, quick-stop, slow-going tourists. I vowed, when I retire I’ll stay out of rush hour traffic and let the working folks get to work!

Sue, as for the comment to slow down, you’re the only one who can judge the speed you want to go, and I know you know that, but I had to comment anyway. When I was fulltiming, there were days I’d drive a long ways and other days I’d stay put, but it was all in what mood I was in at the time. That’s what it’s all about – following your own path, and everyone’s different. Sometimes I really wanted to drive a long ways, and often for days in a row. I would’ve driven Billy Bob nuts. 🙂

I also say go to Oregon if you have a hankerin’ to do so. You never know – next summer you may be living in a house again, having met some nice person who wants you to housesit in their big estate in Jackson and it’s an opportunity you can’t turn down – you’ll wonder then why you didn’t carpe diem. We never know what the future holds, as someone more astute than I am once said. 🙂

Your thoughts have been my thoughts many a day. Somedays I do want to cover some miles. Other times I want to stay put or mosey around. Now I feel like I want to get a general idea of what the West is . . . and then in future years I can pick smaller areas to explore more thoroughly, and know what I want to avoid, too, although I haven’t come across much of that so far! Good advice, Chinle… I’ve learned to follow my own path and find the sunbeams along it.

Hi Sue, I live in Central Oregon and a beautiful introduction to Oregon is come across the “gorge”, cut south at Biggs Junction to Bend,Oregon onto Sisters(25 miles). Beautiful dispersed camping outside Sisters(ranger station in Sisters), also The famous Metolius River is nearby Sisters with FS campgrounds(use golden age pass) in area. There is also a city park(small charge), first come first served in Sisters. When you tire of that(hard to believe you would) get directions to go over Santiam Pass, through Salem to Lincoln City on the coast and take your time wandering south on the coast. The coast is the best in September and October…..

I don’t miss a dinette at all. I have a small pedestal table set up all the time under the back window. I can sit at it with my laptop or eat a meal there. A dinette is cute (and helps to sell trailers, I bet), but it doesn’t provide enough function for the space it takes up. A dinette makes more sense for a couple or a person who serves another person a meal now and then. I eat most meals outside, weather permitting. Best of luck with your preparations…

You didn’t ask me, but I’ll toss in that I have never seen a use for a dinette in an RV as a single person. I never even use my dining room table at home. I’m always eating in front of the TV or computer. 🙂 When I ordered my RV from the factory, it had a dinette that runs across the front. I had one side shipped disconnected and it is in my garage along with the table. In its place, I put a comfortable chair and the dog cage/bed. I can sit with my feet up and a lap desk when I need one. It’s all about your daily needs. Most of my single RVing friends have the dinette permanently made into their bed.

I will add my two cents about Oregon. It’s our favorite state, next to Utah. One place I strongly recommend on the coast is Tillicum CG, a Forest Service CG around Westport. Nothing better than having a campsite overlooking the Pacific Ocean. And you can walk down the pathway to the beach. Best sites in our opinion are 17, 18 & 23 – they have big “yards” where the dogs can play. I believe that they go off the reservation system the first part of September. If you arrive on a Sunday you will probably get a good spot. Have Fun!